The European Union on Monday defended its trade deal with President Donald Trump, with EU capitals and businesses sharply divided on an outcome some branded a "capitulation".

"I'm 100-percent sure that this deal is better than a trade war with the United States," top EU trade negotiator Maros Sefcovic told journalists.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen clinched the framework accord with Trump on Sunday after dashing to Scotland as the August 1 deadline loomed for steep levies that threatened to cripple Europe's economy.

EU exports are now set to face across-the-board tariffs of 15 percent -- higher than customs duties before Trump returned to the White House, but much lower than his threatened 30 percent.

The 27-nation bloc also promised its companies would purchase energy worth $750 billion from the United States and make $600 billion in additional investments -- although it was not clear how binding those pledges would be.

"This is clearly the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances," Sefcovic said.

Full details of the agreement -- and crucially which sectors could escape the........

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